:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47801339/GettyImages-460109204.0.jpg)
The Baltimore Ravens have their first back-to-back wins of the season after beating the St. Louis Rams and the Cleveland Browns in consecutive weeks. A last second kick-six win against the Browns is what propelled the Ravens to their 4-7 record, while the Dolphins seem to be imploding and on the way down despite their 4-7 record.
With the Dolphins currently sitting at 4.5 point favorites, it looks like the perfect scenario for the Ravens to cover the spread. So we're gonna give you all the reasons they will, now go place your bets.
Dolphins run defense
The Miami Dolphins are one of the worst teams at stopping the run this season. Giving up the 7th most touchdowns on the ground this season and being the absolute worst in yards, giving up 138.5 per game. With the Ravens keeping 34-year old quarterback Matt Schaub's leash a little tight, look for the Ravens to run the ball down Miami's throats. Even though the Ravens are missing their starter in Justin Forsett, as we saw against the Cleveland Browns, rookie Javorius Allen is able to gouge teams for a nice bit of yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry against the Browns and 4.0 this season.
Ravens defense
Wow, this is the first time I've ever had to write those words in a positive light this season, but it's true. The Baltimore Ravens defense has played significantly better after the bye week. Cornerbacks Shareece Wright and Lardarius Webb have settled down and begun to play like they were expected to, while Jimmy Smith continues to improve over what has to be his nagging foot injury. Add to that a pass rush that has been able to get to the quarterback far more frequently than earlier in the season and you have a defense that is abusing quarterbacks and running backs all game long. They are still susceptible to the big play here and there, but they have even limited those lately as well.
Dolphins team
The Miami Dolphins fired head coach Joe Philbin earlier in the season and just this week fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. If ever a team is giving the indications that they are imploding, the Miami Dolphins have the red lights spinning and the alarms going off. Expected to be a playoff contender this preseason, the Dolphins have just failed and are beginning to show a lack of effort. With things looking even worse, we could see the first game that the Dolphins players just give up in, allowing the Ravens to keep it from being a close win.